Anachronism (game)
Historical warriors clash in a five-round card game without shuffling.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Anachronism is a tabletop game blending miniatures and collectible card game mechanics, centered on combat between historical figures. Created by TriKing Games and The History Channel, it won the 2005 Origins Award for Gamer’s Choice Best Collectible Card Game of the Year.
- type
- Collectible card / miniatures hybrid
- creator
- TriKing Games and The History Channel
- award
- 2005 Origins Award for Gamer’s Choice Best Collectible Card Game of the Year
- release_period
- Initial release in three parts starting April 2005; final TriKing release was Set 7
- player_count
- Standard 2 players; official support for 4-player multi-player
- notable_artists
- Rob Alexander, Douglas Chaffee, Ed Cox, Kaja Foglio, Randy Richard Gallegos, Ralph Horsley, April Lee, Alan Pollack
Lore & Background
Anachronism pits two warriors from different historical periods in a contest lasting a maximum of five rounds. Each player uses a five-card deck: one warrior card and four support cards placed face down. Support cards include inspiration, weapon, armor, or special cards, and are flipped one per round. Initiative numbers on support cards determine turn order. Warriors have stats for life, speed, experience, and damage, and use attack grids for combat resolution. Dice are used for attack and defense outcomes. The game's name comes from mixing support cards across cultures, such as Leonidas wearing a kimono or a ninja wielding a gladius.
Reader's Guide
Anachronism introduced a novel card game structure without shuffling or drawing, using a fixed five-card deck and a miniatures-style movement system. Its 'Culture Shock' variant restricted cards to a warrior's historical culture, aiding newer players. The game saw seven published sets from TriKing Games before the company went on hiatus in early 2007. After TriKing's departure, the Lead Developer released card text for unpublished Set 8, and the Anachronism Players' Committee formed to finalize Set 9 and develop Set 10. Competitive play included Regional Qualifiers, U.S. Nationals at Gen Con, and World Championships at Dragon Con, with prizes such as a MINI Cooper in 2005 and a laptop in 2006. The 2007 World Championship was cancelled. The game's legacy persists through player-run forums and online resources.
Did You Know?
- Anachronism won the 2005 Origins Award for Gamer’s Choice Best Collectible Card Game of the Year.
- The game does not use shuffling; each deck consists of exactly five cards.
- Warrior cards have four stats: life, speed, experience, and damage.
- The first Anachronism World Championship in September 2005 awarded a MINI Cooper as the grand prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of game is Anachronism?
It is a tabletop hybrid that blends miniatures with collectible card game mechanics, pitting historical warriors against each other in a five-round card battle where no shuffling ever occurs.
Who created Anachronism?
The game was developed by TriKing Games in partnership with The History Channel, and its initial release rolled out in three parts beginning in April 2005.
What major award did Anachronism win?
It took home the 2005 Origins Award for Gamer's Choice Best Collectible Card Game of the Year.
How many players can play Anachronism?
The standard setup is built for two players, though official rules also accommodate a four-player multi-player mode.
How many sets were released for Anachronism?
TriKing Games published a total of seven sets, with Set 7 serving as the final release under their banner.
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